Key messages
- From 1 January 2025, the regulation of Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART) and the management of Victoria's donor conception registers transferred from the Victorian Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) to the Department of Health (the department) under the Health Legislation Amendment (Regulatory Reform) Act 2024.
- The department is updating the processes for managing applications and sharing information from the donor conception registers. The new processes will be introduced in stages.
- For further information on these changes or to update your contact details, email the Donor Conception Register team at dcr@health.vic.gov.au.
July 2026 update: Donor Conception Registers
The Donor Conception Registrar is providing this update to applicants, donor conceived people, donors, families and stakeholders about current registry work and application processing.
The Donor Conception Registers transferred to the Department of Health in early 2025, following changes to the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008.
Since the transfer, the department has been reviewing and redeveloping the inherited register systems, records and processes. Our highest priority is to ensure information is only shared when we are satisfied it is accurate, lawful, safe to disclose.
This work has taken longer than expected and has contributed to delays in progressing applications. We recognise that many people have been waiting a long time for information and outcomes. We understand this can be difficult, and that each application is personally significant.
Voluntary Register
The Voluntary Register provides a consent-based pathway for donor conceived people, parents, donors and eligible family members who are open to finding and connecting with each other.
Voluntary Register matching is now actively progressing. Applications are being reviewed and actioned as they are received, and people are moving through the new staged process. So far, about 20 per cent of applicants have progressed through the staged process and have now exchanged information.
If you have been considering applying to the Voluntary Register, now is a good time to do so. More information about how to apply is available at The Voluntary Register.
If you have already applied to be on the Voluntary Register, you will remain on the register. You do not need to apply again.
For new matches, the department will ask people to provide updated information and current consent through the staged Voluntary Register process. Letters, documents, information or consent previously provided to VARTA will not be used or shared with new matches under the new process.
This helps ensure that any information sharing or connection is based on current, informed and specific consent, and reflects each person’s current wishes.
If you are on the Voluntary Register, please check your inbox regularly, including your junk or spam folder. You may also wish to add dcr@health.vic.gov.au to your safe sender list so you do not miss updates from the team.
Central Register
The Central Register is designed for information requests. Applications can be made by donor conceived people, parents of donor conceived people, donors and descendants of donor conceived people.
We know that many applicants have been waiting a long time for information that is deeply personal and important.
During this period, the department has been reviewing inherited register records and redeveloping Central Register processes. This work has taken longer than expected and has resulted in further delays for applications.
If you have already submitted a Central Register application, your application has been recorded and remains active. You do not need to apply again.
The team has started releasing non-identifying information from the Central Register. Priority is currently being given to applications submitted by donor conceived people.
The team will contact applicants as their application moves toward disclosure, or if more information is needed. We will also continue to provide regular updates as this work progresses.
We anticipate that requests for identifying information will begin to be released in late 2026.
Counselling support
Free and confidential counselling support is available to people who are eligible to access the Central Register or Voluntary Register. This service is provided by The Royal Women’s Hospital, independent of the department.
To request counselling support or a referral, please contact the Donor Conception Registers team at dcr@health.vic.gov.au.
Thank you
Thank you for your patience, continued engagement and feedback while this important work continues.
We welcome feedback at dcr@health.vic.gov.au.
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